Naturopathic Medicine: Naturopathic Medicine: Dental HealthDental Health

Dr. Kelley R. ReisDr. Kelley R. ReisNaturopathic PhysicianNaturopathic Physician

Certified Clinical ThermographerCertified Clinical Thermographer

The Natural Medicine Center of HillsboroThe Natural Medicine Center of HillsboroHillsboro, ORHillsboro, OR

www.hillsboronaturalmedicine.comwww.hillsboronaturalmedicine.com

Naturopathic Medicine

A distinct system of primary health care.A distinct system of primary health care.

An art, science, philosophy and practice of An art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness.illness.

Holistic approach which combines safe and Holistic approach which combines safe and effective traditional therapies with the effective traditional therapies with the most current advances in modern most current advances in modern medicine. medicine.

Naturopathic Training

Naturopathic physicians (NDs) attend 4+ years of an Naturopathic physicians (NDs) attend 4+ years of an accredited medical school plus board examsaccredited medical school plus board exams

NDs learn conventional medical sciences for NDs learn conventional medical sciences for diagnosis of disease.diagnosis of disease.

The curriculum for the first two years of ND and MD The curriculum for the first two years of ND and MD training are very similar.training are very similar.

Naturopathic Training In addition, Naturopathic physicians learn:In addition, Naturopathic physicians learn:

Clinical nutritionClinical nutrition Botanical medicineBotanical medicine HomeopathyHomeopathy HydrotherapyHydrotherapy Physical MedicinePhysical Medicine CounselingCounseling Mind/body medicineMind/body medicine PharmacologyPharmacology

Naturopathic Scope of Naturopathic Scope of PracticePractice

Licensed Primary care physician in the State Licensed Primary care physician in the State of Oregonof Oregon

General Practice including diagnosis of General Practice including diagnosis of disease using standard means (physical exam, disease using standard means (physical exam, lab tests, diagnostic tests) lab tests, diagnostic tests)

OB/GYN, minor surgery, Injection therapy, IV OB/GYN, minor surgery, Injection therapy, IV TherapyTherapy

Insurance coverageInsurance coverage Full FormularyFull Formulary

Naturopathic Philosophy

First Do No HarmFirst Do No Harm The Healing Power of NatureThe Healing Power of Nature Treat the CauseTreat the Cause Treat the Whole PersonTreat the Whole Person PreventionPrevention Doctor as TeacherDoctor as Teacher

Philosophy of Disease

Western medicine views disease as an entity which Western medicine views disease as an entity which “attacks” the body resulting in a focus on symptom “attacks” the body resulting in a focus on symptom management.management.

Naturopathic philosophy believes that disease means Naturopathic philosophy believes that disease means ““Dis-Ease”Dis-Ease”, or rather an imbalance in the body – , or rather an imbalance in the body – correct that and symptoms go awaycorrect that and symptoms go away

Naturopathic Treatment Goals

Find and treat the Find and treat the cause, cause, not the not the symptomssymptoms

Treat the whole person; physically, emotionally, Treat the whole person; physically, emotionally, mentally and spirituallymentally and spiritually

Naturopathic Treatment Goals

Remove the obstacles to cureRemove the obstacles to cure

Support the body’s innate healing powersSupport the body’s innate healing powers

Thermography

Thermography is a physiologic test, which demonstrates thermal patterns in skin

temperature that may be normal or which may indicate disease or other abnormality. If

abnormal heat patterns are identified relating to a specific region of interest or function, clinical

correlation and further investigation may be necessary to assist in diagnosis and treatment.

Thermography

Thermal imaging is an adjunctive test, which contributes to the process of differential

diagnosis, and is not independently diagnostic of pathology.

Standard Head and Neck views in Thermography

Thermographic image of small dental abscess that was eventually seen on xray

Dental issues showing drainage into the digastric lymph nodes

“There is a focus of hyperthermia over the anterior and posterior maxillae; and the anterior mandible (Rt.>Lt.) with

bilateral submandibular-cervical lymphatic drainage patterns, which is consistent with dental/periodontal

pathology and/or dental procedures. “

Dental abscess and two inflamed areas of root canals

How Dental Infections affect Whole Body

“Given the patient’s history of root canal surgery, consider the following: The majority of root canal pockets often remain

chronically infected and may actually evolve into osteo-myelytic-necrosis. Dental issues, if left untreated, can possibly develop into smoldering subclinical infections creating a milieu

for chronic inflammation, leading to a number of chronic diseases, i.e., cardiovascular, fibromyalgia, CFS, as well as,

breast health problems; thyroid gland issues; and gastrointestinal challenges. Clinical correlation is advised; and

if there are significant findings, would recommend dental management. Consultation with a biological dentist is a

consideration.”

TMD

The Inflammatory PathwayThe Inflammatory Pathway

Optimal Health

Normal Health

Disturbance Irritation

Inflammation

Chronic Inflammation

Degeneration

Discharge (Normal Process)

Ulceration Tumor Scar Atrophy

(occurs with suppression of normal healing process)Steroids, NSAID, COX inhibitors, immune suppressants

(Continued suppression of the healing processes)

DIETDIET

Grain-FreeGrain-Free

AVOIDAVOIDGrainsGrains Dairy Dairy Corn Corn Grain-fed Meat Grain-fed MeatPotatoesPotatoes Peanuts Peanuts Sugar Sugar Soy SoyArtificial Sweeteners Artificial Sweeteners Processed FoodsProcessed Foods

Allimax, AlliUltra and Allimed

Pharmaceutical grade, stabilized garlic (allicin)

Questions?Questions?